Sum Old Parts -72- 2wd conversion

[richard2717]

Wow Ed......Looking good! Glad to see it coming together.

[notsolo]

Thanks Richard and also Pete and Jim for the kind words...Its been a trial, got a few bugs mostly self inflicted. Working on smoothing and painting the Hard top now.

[jaros44sr]

Ed....how hard was it to do the trailing arms? Thinking of doing the same, any hints

[notsolo]

Hey Jim Trailing arms are not too bad, all the extra's make it worse than it should be. Parking Brake cable, axle saddles and Spring perches need to be different. Shocks I moved the stock mount back a couple inches and it seems to work. I have an extra set of trailing arms and cross member if you decide to go this route...Ed.

[jaros44sr]

Originally Posted by notsolo

Hey Jim Trailing arms are not too bad, all the extra's make it worse than it should be. Parking Brake cable, axle saddles and Spring perches need to be different. Shocks I moved the stock mount back a couple inches and it seems to work. I have an extra set of trailing arms and cross member if you decide to go this route...Ed.

Thanks Ed. for the info., i may take you up on the offer, the only part i m having a problem wrapping my head around is the transverse arm. I found a rear end outta a '96 tahoe for 150.00, so all i have to work out is the coil overs. Were there OEM holes in the frame for the cross member, i see you have demension sheet, and did you work off of that

How s the truck running.....

[notsolo]

Spec sheet is a big help, maybe a couple holes line up. Not a simple bolt it right up kind of deal. Blazer Runs very well, needs some weight in the back, and maybe some drop springs to level it out.

[jaros44sr]

Originally Posted by notsolo

Spec sheet is a big help, maybe a couple holes line up. Not a simple bolt it right up kind of deal. Blazer Runs very well, needs some weight in the back, and maybe some drop springs to level it out.

Thanks alot for the info. and past help, got me past a sticky situation. I think i ll go down the trailing arm road after i get the engine running, lots and lots of wiring right now

[MuppetMan]

What did you find the easiest way was to install that front crossmember in the correct spot? What did you measure off of?

I might be converting my blazer.

[notsolo]

Some of the bolt holes lined up, took as many measurements as possible off of spec sheet, center of radiator support 21 7/8" to center of 2wd cross member. I used cross member from an 1982. LMK if you need other measurements.....Ed

[MuppetMan]

Thank you. Any photos of the front crossmember installation you can provide?

The measurement of 21 7/8 is that measuring straight across or somewhat diagonal following the frame line?

[notsolo]

Photos are not a great help on placement...All layout should be done strait and level with the frame, keep in mind wheel base 104" so you have a starting point in the back. Mark the center of the rear axle and measure forward on each side, scribe a line on the frame. Double check across with a square on each end, and diagonally if possible someone here said 105" looks to be better for centering wheels, matter of preference. But may give you more room in the engine placement. I also used 1/2" blocks on top of frame for engine stands.

[MuppetMan]

Thanks for the help.

I was thinking of getting the frame level. Then use a laser plumb-bob to precisely measure the lengths on the floor transferring them up onto the frame

Moving the front cross member forward, wouldn't that cause issues with other stuff lining up? Or were you talking about the rear?

[notsolo]

Keep as close to 104" is the best bet, Layout on the floor would work well then transfer measurements up. If you do a rear axle flip, it would greatly simplify your build. Rear leaf springs and shocks ready to go

[MuppetMan]

I will be swapping In rear trailing arms. Probably use the no limit shock relocater kit.

[DeadheadNM]

Bump - any updated pics Ed? Best, Pete

[stsalvage]

Not a big fan of the 1973 front ends.If your don't have a press its not a do at your house job I like the screw in bushings only press or air hammer needed is for the upper ball joints and the bottom ball joints

[notsolo]

Been almost 2 yrs, completely changed out the drivetrain. 3 speed Saginaw was decent, my old left knee complained about the clutch. ......Donor, 1993 Caprice wagon 5.7 TBI 4L60. rear 273.....Electronic fuel pump modified from original tank into a Boyd side fill.

[notsolo]

Cleaned up the frame, bought a used shock cross member made adjustments to add drop brackets, also added trans cross member in new location.

[notsolo]

Cut, and reused poly fuel lines, they were just long enough and worked well for the 1st 25 yrs, new poly body bushings. Set the body back on the frame. Wiring for the TBI was a Howell H242....reused as much of the donor parts as possible. Computer, dash etc...

[notsolo]

Different trans requires new drive shaft. Electronic OD trans means electronic speedo....Built a custom dash bezel out of the Caprice, Modified glove box door, cut fit most of the original piece behind it.

[notsolo]

Added a oil pressure gauge and amp meter,

[notsolo]

Also eliminated the duel exhaust...X pipe and all, too much low rumble vibration. Reused 2.5 stainless pipe, tucked up in the frame as much as possible. 2 stainless mufflers, 1 in the back as the resonator. Quiet ride still has a nice sound to it...Been driving regularly for about a year. Not much I would change about it, smooth, reliable, easy to drive, about 17mpg.....Cheers....Ed.

[lintcollector]

Your truck is one nice looking build. One day I hope to have another car that can go topless. Used to have a little Wrangler, but these full sized trucks are fun

[DJ_Baar]

Found this when searching GOOGLE:

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=617703

[Gregski]

This build checks all the right boxes: year, make, model, 2WD, No X pipe ha ha, quality work, clever solutions, etc.

but hey the 90's called and want their SBC back, time for an LS Swap (or let us guess, you done did it already but are waiting 2 years to post the pics, ha ha)

seriously fantastic rig, and such good good work! love it